Half a year has passed since the management policy of “Niji no Mart” (Ekimaemachi, Hirosaki City), which has been around for more than 60 years, near Hirosaki Station has been changed.

Niji no Mart is nicknamed "Hirosaki Food Cooperative" and was founded in 1954. In 1956 (Showa 31), it opened as the first comprehensive store in the Tsugaru area from the stall format to create a food market. After moving and refurbishing twice, it has been operating in its current location since 1994.

From March 2020, it will be operated by the newly established Iki Iki Market. Kenzo Hamada, the president, said, “Since the beginning of Niji Mart, we have continued to operate in a union manner. While the services required are changing with the times, a new company established as a different method Has been reached.” "We have been preparing for more than 10 years," he said.

Mr. Hamada is the second generation of "Hamada Kaisan" in Niji no Mart. He has been working at Niji no Mart since 1977. The number of union members, which was 34 at the beginning of the business, decreased to 13 due to aging and lack of successors, and empty space began to increase.

"The retail industry cannot match the price of the Internet and mail order at the moment. There is no demand for dramatic changes such as renewal, but changes are necessary to leave the market. Gradually change with the understanding of regular customers and tenant stores. I want to continue," says Hamada.

Mr. Hamada first worked on repairing the equipment. He said, “We changed the location from what the customer could not see,” but the restroom and electricity were renovated throughout the building, and the parking method for passengers was also changed. He said that he began to hear the voices that "the atmosphere became better" and "it became easier to use".

Recruitment of new tenants started due to incorporation. Mr. Hamada said, "As a local market, the strength is that we have the appeal of face-to-face customer service and the feeling of the products. I want you to smile."

Six months have passed, and Mr. Hamada has just started. Large-scale shopping centers in the surrounding area continue to be renewed, and the influence of the new coronavirus has made it more difficult to attract customers. "I want to be able to provide unique services that can be differentiated," he says.

Business hours are from 8:00 to 18:00. Closed on Sundays.